Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system comprising: a non-transitory memory storing instructions; and one or more hardware processors configured to execute the instructions to cause the system to: access first check-in information for a user device for a user, the first check-in information indicating a user account associated with the user device, the first check-in information further indicating one or more routes available from a provider location that initiated a first check-in for the first check-in information; process a first payment request for a transportation fare for a transportation provider operable to transport the user along a route from a first zone in a first geographical area to a second zone in a second geographical area based on the transportation fare; generate an admission code for an admission to the transportation provider via a turnstile at the first zone; provide a transaction history to the user device and the turnstile for admission to the transportation provider at the first zone, wherein the transaction history comprises the admission code; detect, via a first short range wireless signal broadcast by a first beacon associated with the first zone, that the user is within a proximity of the first zone, wherein the first beacon comprises a portion of the turnstile at the first zone; cause the turnstile to admit the user to the transportation provider at the first zone based on the admission code; cause the user device to passively monitor for a second short range wireless signal broadcast by a second beacon; detect a connection between the user device and the second beacon of the transportation provider via the second short range wireless signal broadcast by the second beacon, wherein the second short range wireless signal comprises a wake-up process for the user device that causes the user device to establish the connection, and wherein the connection is established in response to the user device and the second beacon ramping up in power based on the wake-up process; generate, based on the connection, second check-in information to complete a second check-in of the user device with the transportation provider when the user boards the transportation provider; prior to the transportation provider entering a third zone in a third geographical area of the route, determine that the user will enter the third zone after the transportation provider has entered the second zone; in response to determining that the user will enter the third zone, determine that the transportation fare does not cover a cost of travel in the third zone; prior to the transportation provider entering the third zone, process a second payment request for an additional transportation fare for the third zone without requiring a user input from the user confirming the second payment request, wherein the second payment request is processed after processing the first payment request; generate a displayable code for the additional transportation fare, wherein the displayable code verifies the additional transportation fare with a device on the transportation provider; and provide the displayable code to the user device.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the connection between the user device and the second beacon uses one of near field communication, radio communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, or Bluetooth low energy communication.
A system for wireless communication between a user device and a second beacon employs various short-range communication protocols to establish a connection. The system addresses the need for reliable, low-power, and secure communication between devices in close proximity, such as in indoor positioning, asset tracking, or device pairing scenarios. The connection between the user device and the second beacon utilizes one of several wireless communication methods, including near field communication (NFC), radio communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth communication, or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication. These protocols enable efficient data exchange while minimizing power consumption and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The system may also include a first beacon that communicates with the user device and the second beacon, facilitating coordinated interactions or data transfers. The use of multiple communication options allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions, device capabilities, and user preferences, ensuring robust performance in diverse applications.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transaction history is transmitted to at least one of a transportation provider server or a payment device corresponding to the transportation provider, and wherein the payment device provides a token for the admission to the transportation provider.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the turnstile corresponds to an entry at a location corresponding to the transportation provider.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transportation fare comprises one of a flat fare, a time-based fare, a zone-based fare, or a distance-based fare.
This invention relates to a transportation fare system designed to dynamically calculate and apply different fare structures for transportation services. The system addresses the problem of inflexible fare models that do not adapt to varying transportation conditions, such as distance, time, or geographic zones, leading to inefficiencies in pricing and user dissatisfaction. The system calculates transportation fares based on one or more fare types, including flat fares, time-based fares, zone-based fares, or distance-based fares. A flat fare applies a fixed cost regardless of trip parameters. A time-based fare adjusts pricing based on the duration of the trip, accounting for factors like peak hours or service duration. A zone-based fare divides geographic areas into zones and charges based on the number of zones traversed. A distance-based fare calculates costs proportional to the distance traveled, ensuring fairness for varying trip lengths. The system integrates these fare models into a transportation service platform, allowing users to select or be automatically assigned the most appropriate fare structure based on trip details. This flexibility improves pricing accuracy, user experience, and operational efficiency for transportation providers. The system may also support hybrid fare models, combining multiple fare types for more nuanced pricing.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second beacon is located on the transportation provider.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein an authority on the transportation provider receives the transaction history.
A system for managing transportation transactions includes a mechanism for recording and transmitting transaction data between a transportation provider and a user. The system captures details such as fare, route, and payment information during a transportation service, such as a ride or delivery. This data is then securely transmitted to a central database for storage and analysis. The system also includes an interface for an authority associated with the transportation provider to access and review the transaction history. This authority, which may be an administrator or regulatory body, can retrieve and analyze the stored transaction data to ensure compliance, monitor performance, or conduct audits. The system may also include features for verifying the authenticity of the transaction data and ensuring secure transmission to prevent tampering or unauthorized access. The authority's access to the transaction history enables oversight and accountability in transportation services, addressing issues such as fraud, billing discrepancies, or service quality concerns. The system may be implemented using cloud-based storage, encryption protocols, and user authentication to enhance security and reliability.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user device receives the transaction history, and wherein the admission code comprises a proof of payment using a barcode or a QR code.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more hardware processors is further configured to: alert the user through the user device if the transportation fare does not cover a cost of use of the transportation provider.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein executing the instructions further causes the system to: process the second payment request for the additional transportation fare with the transportation provider while the user device is on the transportation provider; wherein the transaction history further corresponds to the second payment request.
This invention relates to a payment processing system for transportation services, specifically addressing the challenge of handling additional fare payments during a ride. The system enables seamless processing of secondary payment requests while a user is already on a transportation provider's vehicle, ensuring accurate transaction tracking. The system includes a user device, a transportation provider interface, and a payment processing module. The user device communicates with the transportation provider interface to initiate and process payments. The payment processing module handles the initial fare payment and any subsequent additional fare requests, updating a transaction history to reflect all transactions. When an additional fare is required, the system processes the second payment request while the user remains on the transportation provider's vehicle, ensuring real-time payment processing without disrupting the ride. The transaction history is updated to include details of the second payment request, providing a complete record of all transactions associated with the ride. This system improves payment efficiency and accuracy for transportation services by integrating multiple payment transactions into a single, cohesive process.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the second payment request is automatically processed without the user input using the user account of the user used for the first check-in.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transportation provider provides at least one of transportation vehicle scheduling for a transportation vehicle of the transportation provider, passenger congestion rates at or on specific cars or areas of the transportation vehicle, weather at stops of the transportation vehicle, or timing updates of the transportation vehicle to the user device.
This invention relates to a transportation system that enhances user experience by providing real-time information and scheduling services. The system connects a transportation provider with user devices to deliver dynamic updates and personalized services. The transportation provider offers various data points, including vehicle scheduling for transportation vehicles, passenger congestion rates for specific cars or areas within a vehicle, weather conditions at vehicle stops, and real-time timing updates. These features help users plan their trips more efficiently by avoiding crowded areas, preparing for weather conditions, and staying informed about vehicle arrival times. The system ensures seamless communication between the transportation provider and users, improving overall convenience and reliability in public or shared transportation services. By integrating these data points, the system addresses challenges related to overcrowding, unpredictable weather, and lack of real-time scheduling information, ultimately enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency of transportation services.
13. A method comprising: accessing first check-in information for a user device of a user, the first check-in information indicating a user account associated with the user device, the first check-in information further indicating one or more routes available from a provider location that initiated a first check-in for the first check-in information; processing a first payment request for a transportation fare for a transportation provider operable to transport the user along a route from a first zone in a first geographical area to a second zone in a second geographical area based on the transportation fare; generating an admission code for an admission to the transportation provider via a turnstile at the first zone; providing a transaction history to the user device and the turnstile for admission to the transportation provider at the first zone, wherein the transaction history comprises the admission code; detecting, via a first short range wireless signal broadcast by a first beacon associated with the first zone, that the user is within a proximity of the first zone, wherein the first beacon comprises a portion of the turnstile at the first zone; causing the turnstile to admit the user to the transportation provider at the first zone based on the admission code; causing the user device to passively monitor for a second short range wireless signal broadcast by a second beacon; detecting a connection between the user device and the second beacon that is located on the transportation provider via the second short range wireless signal broadcast by the second beacon, wherein the second short range wireless signal comprises a wake-up process for the user device that causes the user device to establish the connection, and wherein the connection is established in response to the user device and the second beacon ramping up in power based on the wake-up process; generating, based on the connection, second check-in information to complete a second check-in of the user device with the transportation provider when the user boards the transportation provider; prior to the transportation provider entering a third zone in a third geographical area of the route, determining that the user will enter the third zone after the transportation provider has entered the second zone; in response to determining that the user will enter the third zone, determining that the transportation fare does not cover a cost of travel in the third zone; prior to the transportation provider entering the third zone, processing a second payment request for a second transportation fare for the third zone without requiring a user input from the user confirming the second payment request, wherein the second payment request is processed after processing the first payment request; generating a displayable code for the second transportation fare, wherein the displayable code verifies the second transportation fare with a transportation provider device on the transportation provider; and providing the displayable code to the user device.
This invention relates to automated fare payment and access control for transportation systems, particularly for users transitioning between zones with different fare requirements. The system addresses the problem of seamless fare collection and access management in multi-zone transportation networks, such as trains or buses, where users may need to pay additional fares when traveling beyond their initially paid zone. The method involves accessing check-in data for a user device, which identifies the user account and available routes from a provider location. A first payment request is processed for a transportation fare covering travel from a first zone to a second zone. An admission code is generated and provided to both the user device and a turnstile at the first zone, enabling the user to board the transportation provider. The system detects the user's proximity to the first zone via a short-range wireless beacon integrated into the turnstile and grants access based on the admission code. Once onboard, the user device passively monitors for a second beacon signal from the transportation provider. A wake-up process triggers a connection between the device and the beacon, allowing the system to generate second check-in data confirming the user's boarding. The system then predicts the user's travel path and determines if they will enter a third zone not covered by the initial fare. If so, a second payment request is automatically processed for the additional fare without requiring user input. A displayable code is generated and sent to the user device, verifiable by a transportation provider device to confirm payment for the extended journey. This ensures continuous fare compliance while minimizing user interaction.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first check-in comprises receiving the first payment request indicating the first transportation fare with for the transportation provider that provides transportation of the user device along the route from the first zone in the first geographical area to the second zone in the second geographical area, wherein the first check-in is different from the second check-in.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the transaction history is transmitted to at least one of a transportation provider server or a payment device corresponding to the transportation provider, and wherein the payment device provides a token for the admission to the transportation provider.
This invention relates to a system for managing transportation access and payments. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure methods to verify user eligibility for transportation services and facilitate payments. The invention involves a method where a user's transaction history is transmitted to either a transportation provider's server or a payment device associated with the provider. The payment device then generates a token that grants the user admission to the transportation service. The transaction history likely includes records of previous payments, subscriptions, or other relevant data that confirm the user's authorization to access the service. The system ensures that only authorized users can board or use the transportation, reducing fraud and improving operational efficiency. The token may be a digital or physical credential that is validated by the transportation provider's systems before granting access. This method streamlines the boarding process by automating verification and payment, enhancing user convenience and security. The invention is particularly useful in public transit, ride-sharing, or other transportation services where quick and reliable access control is essential.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein at least one of an authority on the transportation provider and the user device receives the transaction history, and wherein the transaction history comprises proof of payment.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the second check-in information is generated between the user device and the second beacon at a first location, and wherein the turnstile corresponds to an entry at a location corresponding to the transportation provider.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: alerting the user through the user device if the transportation fare does not cover a cost of use of the transportation provider; and processing the second payment request for the second transportation fare with the transportation provider while the user device is on the transportation provider; wherein the transaction history further corresponds to the second payment request.
19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the transportation provider provides at least one of transportation vehicle scheduling for a transportation vehicle of the transportation provider, passenger congestion rates at or on specific cars or areas of the transportation vehicle, weather at stops of the transportation vehicle, or timing updates of the transportation vehicle to the user device.
This invention relates to transportation services, specifically systems for providing real-time information to users regarding transportation vehicles. The problem addressed is the lack of comprehensive, dynamic data available to users about transportation options, including scheduling, congestion, weather conditions, and timing updates. The method involves a transportation provider delivering various types of information to a user device. This includes scheduling details for transportation vehicles, such as availability and departure times. Additionally, the system provides passenger congestion rates, indicating how crowded specific cars or areas of a vehicle are, helping users choose less congested options. Weather conditions at transportation stops are also provided, allowing users to prepare for adverse weather. Finally, the system offers real-time timing updates, ensuring users have the most current arrival and departure information. The transportation provider collects and processes this data from multiple sources, such as vehicle tracking systems, passenger sensors, weather services, and scheduling databases. The information is then transmitted to the user device via a network, enabling users to make informed decisions about their travel. This improves the overall transportation experience by enhancing convenience, comfort, and reliability.
20. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions executable to cause performance of operations comprising: receiving a first payment request from a user device of a user wherein the first payment request comprises at least a transportation fare with a transportation provider, the transportation provider operable to transport the user along a route from a first zone in a first geographical area to a second zone in a second geographical area; processing the first payment request for the transportation fare; generating an admission code for an admission to the transportation provider via a turnstile at the first zone; providing a transaction history to the user device and the turnstile for admission to the transportation provider at the first zone based on the first payment request, wherein the transaction history comprises the admission code; detecting, via a first short range wireless signal broadcast by a first beacon associated with the first zone, that the user is within a proximity of the first zone, wherein the first beacon comprises a portion of the turnstile at the first zone; causing the turnstile to admit the user to the transportation provider at the first zone based on the admission code; causing the user device to passively monitor for a second short range wireless signal broadcast by a second beacon; detecting a connection between the user device and the second beacon that is located on the transportation provider via the second short range wireless signal broadcast by the second beacon, wherein the second short range wireless signal comprises a wake-up process for the user device that causes the user device to establish the connection, and wherein the connection is established in response to the user device and the second beacon ramping up in power based on the wake-up process; prior to the transportation provider entering a third zone in a third geographical area of the route, determining that the user will enter the third zone after the transportation provider has entered the second zone; in response to determining that the user will enter the third zone, determining that the transportation fare does not cover a cost of travel in the third zone; prior to the transportation provider entering the third zone, processing a second payment request for an additional transportation fare for the third zone without requiring a user input from the user confirming the second payment request, wherein the second payment request is processed after processing the first payment request; generating a displayable code for the additional transportation fare, wherein the displayable code verifies the additional transportation fare with a transportation provider device on the transportation provider; and providing the displayable code to the user device.
Unknown
March 9, 2021
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